For the Winnipeg Jets, the question echoes with a familiar, almost ritualistic cadence as each training camp commences: can this be the year they truly “take the next step”? It`s a query that carries the weight of past achievements and, more pointedly, the sting of recent disappointments. After a 2024-25 season that saw them claim the coveted Presidents` Trophy for the NHL`s best regular-season record, their Stanley Cup aspirations were once again cut short, concluding prematurely in the second round of the playoffs. The mandate for the 2025-26 season is clear, yet the path is anything but straightforward.
The Echoes of Last Season: A Trophy and a Taste of Disappointment
Winning the Presidents` Trophy is a testament to consistency and dominance over 82 regular-season games. It speaks volumes about a team`s depth, strategy, and resilience. Yet, in the brutal crucible of the NHL playoffs, regular-season accolades can feel like a footnote. The Jets learned this lesson firsthand. While they managed to win their first playoff series since 2021, the subsequent elimination left a profound sense of unfinished business. General Manager Kevin Cheveldayoff, reflecting on this, acknowledged the dual nature of such experiences:
“I think it`s the opportunity that`s in front of them, and the hunger and the scars and the pain that get left behind when you don`t get as far as you collectively want to, every group learns a certain something along the way. I think, very fortunately for us, this group shares in its successes and shares in its disappointments. It`s a very close group.”
These aren`t just empty platitudes; they`re the battle scars of a team that knows what it takes to win in the regular season but hasn`t yet found the elusive formula for sustained postseason glory. The “next step” isn`t merely about more victories; it`s about a fundamental shift in mindset and execution under immense pressure.
Roster Roulette: Filling Gaps and Taking Gambles
The offseason leading into the 2025-26 campaign has been one of significant churn for the Jets, presenting both challenges and intriguing possibilities. The team waved goodbye to key contributors, creating gaps that need to be addressed with a blend of internal growth and shrewd external additions:
- Nikolaj Ehlers: A high-scoring winger whose departure to free agency leaves a substantial void in the team`s offensive firepower. Replacing his dynamic play and offensive instincts is, as some might say, a “near impossible hole to fill.”
- Mason Appleton and Brandon Tanev: Two more forwards who opted for new pastures, further testing the team`s depth.
- Adam Lowry: The veteran center is sidelined until late October or early November as he recovers from hip surgery, presenting an immediate leadership and defensive challenge down the middle.
In response to these departures and injuries, Cheveldayoff has made some calculated moves. Most notably, the acquisition of veteran center Jonathan Toews. After two seasons away from the game due to illness, Toews` return to the ice is a narrative straight out of a Hollywood script. This isn`t just a player signing; it`s a statement, a gamble, and a beacon of hope wrapped into one. The team also brought in a selection of “journeymen forwards,” hinting at a strategy to bolster depth and competition throughout the lineup, rather than relying on a single blockbuster replacement for Ehlers.
The Return of a Legend: Jonathan Toews` High-Stakes Comeback
With Adam Lowry on the mend, the spotlight on Toews intensifies. “Captain Serious,” as he`s affectionately known from his storied career with the Chicago Blackhawks, brings a pedigree of three Stanley Cups and a reputation for clutch play. But how much of that former glory remains after a two-year layoff due to chronic immune response syndrome? This is the million-dollar question.
Cheveldayoff expressed palpable enthusiasm about Toews` arrival:
“The biggest thing you see is the level of enthusiasm. When you are potentially losing something, then you get a chance to get it back, you really appreciate just how fortunate you are. I am excited for him because he gets to have that chance to play the game that he loves and excited for us because he gets to do it here, and excited for his mom and dad because it is that storybook thing.”
Indeed, Toews` comeback is a feel-good story for the ages. However, professional sports are rarely decided by sentimentality alone. The pragmatic reality is that Toews must not only recapture his form but also seamlessly integrate into a new system and carry significant responsibility, especially in Lowry`s absence. His ability to provide veteran leadership, astute defensive play, and crucial offensive contributions will be paramount to the Jets` aspirations. He isn`t merely a signing; he`s an embodiment of the “next step” philosophy, a potential catalyst for a team yearning for championship validation.
More Than Just Wins: The Intangibles of “The Next Step”
The “next step” for the Jets isn`t solely quantifiable by wins and losses in the upcoming season. It`s about developing a playoff-grade mentality, one that can weather the inevitable storms of a grueling postseason. It involves:
- Chemistry Under Pressure: Can the new and existing pieces gel quickly enough to find cohesion when it matters most?
- Mental Fortitude: Can the team shake off the “scars and pain” of previous playoff exits and convert them into fuel for future success?
- Leadership: Beyond Toews, who else will step up to guide the team through adversity?
- Adaptability: In an evolving league, how well can the coaching staff and players adjust their game plan against diverse opponents?
These intangible factors often separate Presidents` Trophy winners from Stanley Cup champions. The Jets have demonstrated they have the talent; the true test lies in harnessing that talent with unwavering resolve.
A Story Yet Unwritten
As the 2025-26 NHL season dawns, the Winnipeg Jets stand at a crossroads. They possess the “hunger” and the “scars” that Cheveldayoff spoke of, a potent combination of ambition and hard-won experience. The addition of Jonathan Toews adds a layer of captivating intrigue, a veteran presence who could either be the missing piece or a cautionary tale. Whether this season culminates in the elusive “next step” – a deep playoff run that brings the Stanley Cup to Manitoba – remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the narrative of the Winnipeg Jets` quest for glory is set to be one of the most compelling stories on ice.
